Become A Tattoo Artist in Mid Michigan

Mid Michigan, Tattoo Apprenticeship

Tattoo Apprenticeships in Mid Michigan, Michigan

For tattoo artists in Mid Michigan, Michigan, who are serious about becoming working, professional Tattoo Artists, Ink Different's Tattoo Apprenticeship Program has arrived! Together with Kyle Dunbar from Drunken Monkey Tattoo, Ink Different Tattoo School will now offer its Tattoo Artist Certification Program for the aspiring tattoo artists of Mid Michigan!

WARNING! YOU CAN NOT LEARN HOW TO TATTOO IN 2 WEEKS. ANYONE WHO TELLS YOU THAT IS A LIAR. OUR TRAININGS WITH GUARANTEED TATTOO LICENSES AND GUARANTEED JOB OFFERS RANGE FROM 570 - 2000 HOURS.

Mid Michigan Full Tattoo Apprenticeship Program Tattoo Artist Certification

Your Path to Career Success in the Tattoo Industry. 

Ink Different's Tattoo Artist Certification Guarantees a Job Offer and Becoming a Licensed Tattoo Artist for each apprentice who completes the Full Tattoo Apprenticeship Program.

Our Full Tattoo Apprenticeship Tattoo Artist Certification Program is based on the traditional model with an increased focus on long-term success in the tattoo industry through the only tattoo industry training program that guarantees a job offer.

Meet Kyle Dunbar, in Mid Michigan, Michigan!

Guaranteed Job Offer

SPEAK WITH A REAL HUMAN!

Text or Call 1-917-227-2842.

3 Step Process

1. Interview with an Advisor!

Apply by submitting your artwork. If your artwork is approved for enrollment, you will be invited to interview with an Admissions Advisor.

2. Start From Home - Finish In Our Studios

As a tattoo apprentice, you’ll start online in a live virtual classroom, where you will work one-on-one with your trainer. Once you pass your virtual classroom requirements, you’re ready to complete your apprenticeship in one of our studios. Apprenticeships generally take 1 year to complete.  

3. Guaranteed Job Offer

Upon completion of the full tattoo apprenticeship, Ink Different's Tattoo Artist Certification Program, we welcome you to tattoo at one of the Ink Different owned or Affiliated tattoo studio. You will have all the skills necessary to provide quality custom tattoos with world-class customer service to your clients.

How to Become a Tattoo Artist in Mid Michigan, Michigan

Hey Mid Michigan! If you’ve been dreaming about a career that lets you be creative, work on your own terms, and genuinely love what you do, our tattoo apprenticeship might be exactly what you’ve been searching for. At Ink Different Tattoos, we partner with skilled mentors who train aspiring Tattoo Artists in real studios—not classrooms.

One of those mentors is Kyle Dunbar, based at Drunken Monkey Tattoos in Mid Michigan. You might recognize Kyle from his time on Ink Master, where he became a fan favorite thanks to his bold style and unfiltered approach. At his studio, Kyle brings that same passion to mentoring future Tattoo Artists, offering hands-on guidance every step of the way—from tattoo design and technique to shop etiquette and client care.

Once accepted into the Mid Michigan Tattoo Apprenticeship Program, you’ll start training inside Drunken Monkey Tattoos, learning the craft alongside professionals and gaining the experience you need to launch your career with confidence.

Mid Michigan Tattoo Apprenticeship Program

Ever step into a tattoo studio and feel like you belong there? That’s the vibe at Drunken Monkey Tattoos. With Kyle Dunbar as your mentor and a team of artists rooting for you, this apprenticeship offers more than just skill-building—it’s a full-on journey into the tattoo world.

Whether you're an artist looking to level up or someone ready to ditch the 9-to-5, our program provides structure, support, and a direct path to a new career. You’ll learn how to create standout tattoos, build your portfolio, and walk out with the skills and confidence to start working as a Tattoo Artist.

Why Tattooing Is a Great Career in Mid Michigan

Tired of jobs that stifle your creativity? Tattooing offers something different—freedom, flexibility, and the chance to express yourself every day. As a Tattoo Artist in Mid Michigan, you’re not clocking in for someone else’s dream. You’re building your own.

Parents—if your kid is obsessed with art and tattoos, we get it. This career path might seem unconventional, but it’s real. With a mentor like Kyle Dunbar, they’ll get serious training in a professional environment. We’ll walk you both through the process and show you how this passion can turn into a career they’re proud of.

And if you’re the one considering a career switch—there’s no better time. Kyle’s apprenticeship program is built for adults making a bold move toward a more fulfilling life.

Follow Drunken Monkey Tattoo Studio @drunkenmonkeytattoo

Ready to be inspired by a safe tattoo community? Check out Kyle Dunbar with  @drunkenmonkeytattoo, to see the team's work on clients and their tattoo studio in Mid Michigan. 

Tattoo Apprenticeship Blog

Dive into all the information, insights, interviews, videos, and resources you need to understand tattoo apprenticeships and tattoo artist training! 

May 12, 2025

How to Become a Tattoo Artist in North Jersey

A step-by-step guide to becoming a Tattoo Artist and finding a tattoo apprenticeship in North Jersey If you’re obsessed with tattoos, can’t stop doodling during meetings, and find yourself admiring linework more than the actual tattoo subject (yep, we get it), you might be onto something bigger: a career in tattooing. And guess what? North Jersey is one of the best places to start. From its proximity to New York City to its growing local tattoo crowd, North Jersey offers the perfect balance of opportunity, affordability, and creative energy to help aspiring Tattoo Artists launch their tattoo careers, with fewer […]
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Will I Actually Be Ready to Tattoo? What to Expect in a Real Tattoo Apprenticeship

Can a Tattoo Apprenticeship Really Prepare You for the Industry? One of the biggest fears aspiring tattoo artists have is whether they’ll actually be ready to tattoo once they complete their apprenticeship. The tattoo industry is competitive, and without the right training, many apprentices finish their programs feeling unsure of their abilities, lacking confidence, or struggling to land their first paying clients. A real tattoo apprenticeship should provide structured, hands-on training that gives you the technical skills, professional experience, and confidence to walk into a shop and start tattooing. But not all apprenticeships are created equal. If you’re wondering whether […]
March 11, 2025

Am I Too Old to Start Tattooing? Career Change Myths Debunked

Is It Too Late to Become a Tattoo Artist? If you’ve been thinking about becoming a tattoo artist but feel like you’ve missed your chance, you’re not alone. Many people believe that tattooing is a young person’s game and that if you’re not starting in your early twenties, it’s too late. The reality? Tattooing is a craft that welcomes artists of all ages, and some of the most successful tattoo artists didn’t start until later in life. Changing careers can be intimidating, but if tattooing is something you’re passionate about, age should never be the reason you hold back. Whether […]
March 10, 2025

Should You Go to Tattoo School? What You Need to Know Before Signing Up

Is Tattoo School the Right Choice for You? If you’re serious about becoming a Tattoo Artist, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Should I go to tattoo school, or should I find a tattoo apprenticeship?” With so many training options available, it’s hard to know which one will actually prepare you for a real career in tattooing. Some schools promise to teach you everything you need to know in just a few weeks, while others charge high tuition fees with little hands-on experience. So, is tattoo school worth it? The answer depends entirely on the quality of the training. A legitimate tattoo […]
March 6, 2025

How to Get a Tattoo Apprenticeship: 5 Essential Skills as a Tattoo Apprentice

Want a Tattoo Apprenticeship? Here’s Where to Start You’ve made the decision—you want to become a tattoo artist. You have the passion, the creativity, and the drive. But when you start looking for ways to break into the industry, you quickly realize that getting a tattoo apprenticeship isn’t as straightforward as you thought. Some tattoo shops don’t take tattoo apprentices. Others require years of unpaid work before you even touch a tattoo machine. And if you don’t have the right skills yet, most experienced tattoo artists won’t even consider training you. So, how do you get a real tattoo apprenticeship […]
March 3, 2025

Are Tattoo Schools Worth It? How to Choose the Right Tattoo Apprenticeship

Is Finding the Right Tattoo Apprenticeship Harder Than It Should Be? You’re passionate about tattooing, and you’re ready to take the next step—but every time you search for the right tattoo apprenticeship, you find yourself stuck in a whirlwind of conflicting advice. Some artists insist that the only real way to learn is through an old-school, unpaid shop apprenticeship, where you clean and assist for years before ever holding a tattoo machine. Others say tattoo schools don’t offer enough hands-on experience and leave apprentices unprepared for real-world tattooing. So, what’s the truth? And more importantly, how do you find an […]

Financial Benefits of Tattooing in Mid Michigan

Let’s talk numbers. According to ZipRecruiter, Tattoo Artists in Michigan can earn up to $48.57/hour, which averages to around $100,000 per year. Not bad for a career that lets you work with your hands, meet cool people, and build a loyal following.

And the more your skills improve, the more your income grows. As you develop your style and gain recognition, you can charge more, book months in advance, and build a career that’s not just financially rewarding—but personally fulfilling, too.

Best part? Tattooing is portable. Your skills travel with you—whether you stay in Mid Michigan or decide to hit the road. And with Ink Different’s national network, you’ll always have a place to call home.

What’s Life Like in Mid Michigan?

Mid Michigan is where small-town charm meets Michigan’s natural beauty. With lush forests, winding trails, and a deep-rooted artistic community, it's an ideal spot for creatives to thrive. You’ll find everything from cozy cafés and live music venues to vintage shops and local markets that celebrate handmade goods.

Outdoor lovers can explore:

Whether you're the type who recharges in nature or finds inspiration in local street art, Mid Michigan offers balance and beauty in equal measure.

A Creative Hub for Artists and Tattoo Lovers

Tattooing is more than a job—it’s part of the artistic heartbeat of Mid Michigan. From local art walks to mural festivals and gallery nights, the city embraces creativity in all its forms. And tattooing? It’s right there in the spotlight.

Kyle Dunbar is a fixture in this community—not just for his work on skin, but for the way he uplifts other artists. Training under him means you’re part of a local art movement that values bold ideas and personal expression.

Mid Michigan’s Food + Culture Scene

Fueling your creativity is easy here. Mid Michigan’s food scene is a mix of homestyle favorites and unexpected gems. Grab a burger from a roadside diner, pick up farm-fresh goods at the Midland Farmers Market, or treat yourself to sushi and cocktails at a downtown Midland hotspot.

The local vibe is warm and welcoming—people here know each other, support each other, and show up for their community. Whether you're catching a local band on a Friday night or sipping coffee at a bookshop on Sunday morning, you’ll feel right at home.

Community That Feels Like Family

One of the best things about launching your tattoo career in Mid Michigan? The people. This area is known for its close-knit community where everyone looks out for each other. You’ll meet artists, entrepreneurs, musicians, and neighbors who genuinely care—and who’ll show up for your tattoo journey.

Ready to Start Your Tattoo Career in Mid Michigan?

Whether you're just starting out or looking to reboot your life in a creative, supportive town, Mid Michigan is a place where your passions can truly take root.

Let’s make your dream career a reality—apply today!